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Florida Vibrio vulnificus infections rise. Where new cases were reported

Yahoo • September 17, 2026 • health

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Florida has reported 22 cases and four deaths from Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, with the latest confirmed case in Santa Rosa County; the bacterium is linked to raw seafood and brackish water exposure.
Vibrio vulnificus infections, which can rapidly cause severe tissue damage and require emergency medical intervention, primarily affect individuals with compromised immune systems, with about 20% of cases resulting in death.
Cases have also been reported along the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, while South Carolina has acknowledged several cases despite not requiring mandatory reporting.
Health officials advise avoiding exposure of open wounds to brackish water, thoroughly cooking seafood, and practicing good hygiene when handling raw seafood to prevent infection.
Symptoms typically appear within 24 hours and include gastrointestinal distress, fever, blistering skin lesions, and signs of severe infection; immediate medical attention is crucial for those exposed to brackish water or raw seafood.

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